Theodosia River

The Theodosia River empties into the Theodosia Inlet in Okcover Arm just north of Lund and Powell River. Historic DFO annual peak escapement data for Theodosia River show 35,000 Chum, 7,500 Coho and 3,500 Pink. Other sources indicate that runs were as high as 100,000 Pink, 50,000 Chum and 10,000 Coho prior to the diversion of 80% of the river flow. Water was diverted for hydro-electric power to a pulp mill in 1956. Although the company was required to maintain minimum flows, adjacent logging resulted in drastic water level changes. Winter storms typically resulted in silting, erosion, scouring, and frequent changes in the lower channel bed.

A 1997 report to the Sliammon First Nation, who have lands at the mouth of the river, identified river instability and spawning habitat degradation and suggested that off channel habitat be created in the lower reaches for Chum and Coho. In 2000, the provincial government pledged to decommission the dam; six years later the issue of compensation to the power company is still unresolved.

A Community Economic Development Program was initiated between Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Sliammon First Nations in 1977; current efforts on the Theodosia involve stock assessment and enhancement activities. Coho and Chum sperm have been cryopreserved by the World Fisheries Trust.

This watershed is considered to be a major Inner South Coast Chum system within the Toba Inlet Management Area; the operational management escapement goal is 21,000 (2009). The most recent available maximum escapement data for Chum is 2,742 (1990-99), Coho 213 (1990-99), and Pink zero (1985-93).